Jason and the Argonauts (1963) - IMDb IMDb There was an error trying to load your rating for this title. Some parts of this page won't work property. Please reload or try later. X Beta I'm Watching This! Keep track of everything you watch; tell your friends. Error Jason and the Argonauts ( 1963 ) Approved | The legendary Greek hero leads a team of intrepid adventurers in a perilous quest for the legendary Golden Fleece. Director: From $2.99 (SD) on Amazon Video ON DISC a list of 40 titles created 18 Jun 2012 a list of 49 titles created 28 Feb 2015 a list of 23 titles created 09 Oct 2015 a list of 37 titles created 30 Oct 2015 a list of 46 titles created 6 months ago Title: Jason and the Argonauts (1963) 7.4/10 Want to share IMDb's rating on your own site? Use the HTML below. You must be a registered user to use the IMDb rating plugin.

When a princess is shrunken by an evil wizard, Sinbad must undertake a quest to an island of monsters to cure her and prevent a war. Director: Nathan Juran A film adaption of the myth of Perseus and his quest to battle both Medusa and the Kraken monster to save the Princess Andromeda. Director: Desmond Davis Sinbad The Sailor sails to deliver a cursed prince to a dangerous island in the face of deadly opposition from a powerful witch. Director: Sam Wanamaker During the Civil War a group of Union soldiers and two Confederates escape the stockade using a hot air balloon and end up on a strange Pacific island. Director: Cy Endfield After being shipwrecked, a man finds himself on an island inhabited by tiny people, who soon make plans for him. Director: Jack Sher An Edinburgh professor and assorted colleagues follow an explorer's trail down an extinct Icelandic volcano to the earth's center. Director: Henry Levin A ship sent to investigate a wave of mysterious sinkings encounters the advanced submarine, the Nautilus, commanded by Captain Nemo. Director: Richard Fleischer Edit Storyline Jason has been prophesied to take the throne of Thessaly.

When he saves Pelias from drowning, but does not recognize him as the man who had earlier killed his father, Pelias tells Jason to travel to Colchis to find the Golden Fleece. Jason follows his advice and assembles a sailing crew of the finest men in Greece, including Hercules. They are under the protection of Hera, queen of the gods. Their voyage is replete with battles against harpies, a giant bronze Talos, a hydra, and an animated skeleton army, all brought to life by the special effects wizardry of Ray Harryhausen. Written by Rick Gregory <rag.apa@email.apa.org> Greatest Odyssey Of The Ages - for the first time on the screen See more » Genres: 19 June 1963 (USA) See more » Also Known As: Jason and the Golden Fleece See more » Filming Locations: Ray Harryhausen regards this as his best film. See more » Goofs When Hylas and Hercules see the statue of Talos, they are standing in grasses, then there is a long shot of them walking, but the next shot shows them still in the grasses.

The next shot shows Hylas walking, then in sand, then back in the grasses with Hercules again. See more » Quotes Pelias : Well? Priest : Zeus, king of the gods of the Greeks, brighten the ashes that I may read the future. I see... a great tree at the end of the world. And in its branches there hang the skull and skin of a ram. They gleam and shine for it is a prize of the gods, a Golden Fleece. (los angeles) – See all my reviews Back in 1963 I was only 7 at the time, but I can still remember going to the Tower Theater in Downtown Los Angeles and being totally awed with the effects created by Ray Harryhausen. In today's world it may seem below standard compared to computer effects, but for those of us growing up in that time period, the Harryhausen style of special effects will continue to bring back warm memories of those years. With computer graphics, you see it and like it the first time you see it, but then many movies of today have the same and it becomes moot.

Jason and the Argonaunts was one of those few movies at the time along with the Sinbad saga that lives on in your heart. The pace of the film is perfectly put together along with the many creatures, 7-headed hydra, huge fish-man, huge metal man and skeletons fighting is what makes it a classic which lives on in the hearts of those growing up in the sixties. 43 of 53 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes Jason and the Argonauts: Through the Years Jason and the Argonauts: Through The Years The story of Jason and the Argonauts is a classic myth that was written by Apollonius of Rhodes in the third century BC. He was not the first to tell the story, but his version is the best known today. The story has been depicted in a variety of ways over the years. Yet, despite the fact that Apolloniusï¿½ story has often been adapted to better suit the times, the original version was so strong that the newer versions do not vary greatly from the original. Numerous authors have translated it for modern audiences.

William Morrisï¿½ 1867 novel The Life and Death of Jason is based on Apolloniusï¿½ story but features several notables differences. There have been two separate movies based on the story as well. The 1963 film Jason and the Argonauts offers an abbreviated version of the ancient myth. In 2000, NBC aired a four-hour miniseries adaptation of the classic story. Both films relied heavily on special effects, and the 1963 film was praised for featuring effects that were considered ahead of its time. This paper will first examine the classic myth and then note the different ways that the story has been told in books and films. There will also be an analysis of possible reasons for changing certain details in each of the versions. ï¿½ Apolloniusï¿½ ancient story Though there are differences that will be noted in film and book versions, the basic storyline remains the same as told by Apollonius. Jason is the son of Aison, the former king of Iolcus. The kingship is then taken over by the power-hungry Pelias.

Aisonï¿½s relation to Pelias differs in some versions of the story, but most accounts label them brothers. Fearing that her son would be killed by Pelias, Jasonï¿½s mother sends him away to live in the cave of Chiron the Centaur, where he is raised until adulthood. It is then that Jason returns to Iolcus to claim the throne, which he believes is rightfully his. On his way to Iolcus, he is tested by the goddess Hera. Disguised as an elderly woman, Hera begs Jason to help her across a stream. He agrees and takes her on his back. Jasonï¿½s good will impresses Hera, and she makes it her duty to help him on his journey. Once in Iolcus, Jason meets with Pelias and asserts his right to the throne. Pelias is unwilling to step down, and he sends Jason on a quest to find the Golden Fleece. Jason puts together a fine crew and names them the Argonauts and their ship the Argo. The most famous member of the crew is the mighty Herakles. The Argonauts leave Iolcus and set sail for Colchis, the land of the Golden Fleece.

The ship first stops at Lemnos, an island populated entirely by women. It is at Lemnos that the crew loses Herakles, the most well-liked and well-respected crewmate. The Argo makes its way to Salmydessus, where the crew chases flying Harpies away from the islandï¿½s king Phineus. To show his gratitude, Phineus warns them that they will soon encounter the Clashing Rocks. The rocks crash together whenever a ship tries to get through. The secret, Phineus says, is to release a bird between the rocks so that they come together. The Argo would then have enough time to pass through before the rocks come together again. The plan works, and the crew makes it safely to Colchus. Jason meets with Aeetes, the king of Colchus, who dislikes Jason but agrees to give him the Golden Fleece if he could help out with some farmyard ï¿½chores.ï¿½ The chores are actually seemingly impossible tasks designed to kill Jason and keep the Fleece in Colchus. Fortunately for Jason, the goddess Aphrodite makes Medea, the daughter of Aeetes, fall in love with Jason.

Medea has magical powers, which she uses to help Jason complete the assigned tasks. First Jason was ordered to harness two fire-breathing bulls. He then had to plant some dragonï¿½s teeth in the field. As the teeth hit the soil, they sprouted into armed warriors. Without Medeaï¿½s assistance, Jason would have surely been killed, but thanks to her magic he manages to harness the bull and kill the warriors. Aeetes had promised to give the Fleece to Jason, but he confided to Medea that he would go back on his word. Angered, Medea leads Jason to the location of the Fleece, where it is guarded by a dragon. She gives the dragon a sleeping potion, which allows Jason to grab the Fleece. The Argonauts quickly set sail as they are pursued by Aeetesï¿½ army. On the return trip to Greece, the Argo is safely guided with help from Hera. The end of the story differs in book and film adaptation, but in the ancient myth Medea kills Pelias and Jason becomes king. ï¿½ William Morrisï¿½ adaptation William Morris was a British writer, designer, and politician.

He is actually quite well known for his artwork on stained glass, textiles, and wallpapers. In 1867, he wrote The Life and Death of Jason. The differences between Morrisï¿½ version and the ancient myth are not very significant. One difference is that when the Argo makes its first stop, at the island of Lemnos, the crew is forced to leave without Hercules. The reason for Herculesï¿½ disappearance differs in The Life and Death of Jason. One of the young crew members, Hylas, wanders off alone and comes upon a group of sea-nymphs. The sea-nymphs seduce Hylas into loving them. Meanwhile, the Argo is ready to leave the island so Herakles decides to search for Hylas. During the search, Juno causes the winds to blow and the crew is forced to set sail without Herakles and Hylas. In some previous tellings of the story, Hylas is dragged under a spring with one of the sea-nymphs and drowns. Other versions omit any mention of Hylas and the sea-nymphs.

The reason for Morrisï¿½ rather extended story about Hylas and the sea-nymphs likely stems from his artistic background. Morris likely wanted to stay true to the original story while complementing it with his personal touch. ï¿½ The Movie Adaptations The first movie adaptation of the ancient myth was Jason and the Argonauts, a 1963 feature film release from Columbia TriStar Pictures. Again, the basic plot is the same as in Apolloniusï¿½ version, but there are numerous specific details that have been changed. In the ancient myth, Jason loses his sandal while transporting the elderly woman across the river. In the 1963 film, Pelias starts to drown in a river and Jason jumps in to save him, losing a sandal in the process. Jason is unaware that the man he has saved is Pelias, and the king does not identify himself because he notices that Jason has only one sandal, and a prophet had warned Pelias of a ï¿½one-sandaled stranger.ï¿½ Still not realizing the identity of the man, Jason proceeds to tell Pelias of his plan to become king of Iolcus.

Pelias then suggests that Jason attempt to recover the Golden Fleece. Pelias convinces Jason that if he were able to gain possession of the Fleece, he would have the power to overthrow Pelias. One possible reason for this plot difference is that it is a more dramatic way for Pelias to meet Jason. It is ironic that Jason unknowingly saves the life of the man he has come to overthrow. By saving Peliasï¿½ life, Jason pleases the gods by demonstrating his bravery. After the prophetï¿½s prediction of a ï¿½one-sandaled stranger,ï¿½ it creates a dramatic moment when Jason emerges from the water wearing only one sandal. It also allows for Jason to begin his journey early in the movie, allowing more time to be spent on the Argoï¿½s quest. Another difference between the ancient myth and the 1963 film is the Clashing Rocks scene. Instead of releasing a dove to fly between the rocks (as in previous versions), Jason throws an idol into the water. Poseidon arises from the sea and holds back the rocks, allowing the Argo to sail safely to the other side. A possible reason for this plot change may again be dramatic effect.

Perhaps the movieï¿½s writers found it more visually stimulating to have Poseidon emerge from the sea and hold back the rocks, as opposed to simply watching the Argo sail through easily thanks to the dove. Certain scenes in the movie seem to be aimed at amazing the audience through the use of revolutionary special effects. Another possibility is that, though the dove escapes unharmed in the myth, the movieï¿½s writers did not want to make Jason look cruel for risking the birdï¿½s death. Another key difference is noticed in the Clashing Rocks scene. In the film, Jason finds Medea floating in the sea on a piece of a ship that had been destroyed by the rocks. She and Jason fall in love and she agrees to help Jason find the Golden Fleece. In the ancient myth, Medea is not seen until Jason arrives in Colchis. The reason for this plot difference seems to be aimed at keeping the movie from running too long. It saves time for Jason to meet Medea before he gets to Colchis. It is also possible that the writers decided that this chance encounter between Jason and Medea would be used to show that the two were destined to be together.

The most recent movie adaptation is a miniseries version that ran on NBC in May 2000. The film, which was shot on location in Turkey, received mixed reviews from television critics. Many of the scenes from Apolloniusï¿½ story that were left out of the 1963 film are included in the new version, which is not surprising since the miniseries runs three hours. The opening scene is quite different from previous adaptations. Jasonï¿½s father is killed by Pelias, and Jason barely escapes death. Later, when Jason decides to embark on the journey for the Golden Fleece, the crew he rounds up is notably different than in past versions of the story. Whereas the ancient myth described a crew of heroes, many members of the Argonauts in this film could be considered weak underdogs. The crew members certainly have heart, but it seems doubtful that they have the experience necessary for a successful voyage. For example, one Argonaut is a thief who only volunteers his services to escape from authorities who are searching for him. Two other crewmen are portrayed as bumbling idiots. Argos nearly refuses to set sail because he fears certain death for the inexperienced crew.

The reason that the writers decided to feature a much weaker crew is likely because it is easier for the audience to root for them. The villagers laughed at the crew Jason had assembled, and he set out to prove them wrong. Movies in recent years often highlight the role of the underdog, and rags-to-riches movies have proven popular with audiences. Modern audiences love an underdog, and television viewers could easily identify with many members of Jasonï¿½s crew. It makes for a better story. The role of Herakles is far different in the 2000 film than in previous adaptations. In Apolloniusï¿½ story, Herakles is separated from the crew early in the story. This forces the Argonauts to pull together and overcome their obstacles without their hero. But in the 2000 film, Herakles nearly makes it back to Iolcus with the rest of the crew. It is not until after they have arrived in Colchis and Jason has completed the kingï¿½s challenges that Herakles meets his death.

As Aeetesï¿½ soldiers chase the Argonauts (who are on their way to find the fleece) Herakles tells Jason he has been ordered by the gods to protect Jason. As the soldiers finally catch up, Herakles sacrifices his own life to save Jason. If not for Heraklesï¿½ bravery, Jason likely would have been killed by Aeetesï¿½ soldiers. Herakles has become a role model for Jason by this point in the movie. By keeping his character around until they reach Colchis, the movieï¿½s writers allow the audience to feel the pain that Jason goes through when Herakles finally dies. It is a pivotal moment in the film. Two final key differences in the 2000 film are seen near the end of the movie. In the ancient story, Hera gives a sleeping potion to the dragon that guards the fleece. In the 2000 version, Jason tricks the dragon into falling off a cliff to its death. The ending of the film is also quite different than in previous versions.

Most adaptations of the myth have a dark ending, but in the final scenes of the 2000 film Medea kills the villain Pelias and then marries Jason as the film ends. Jason and the Argonauts is a classic story that has been told to audiences of all ages for thousands of years. Throughout the years, there have been numerous adaptations of the myth, and most versions have stayed true to Apolloniusï¿½ telling of the story. Some authors have given the tale their own personal touch, but the main plot details were left in tact. Recent film versions have added some dramatic touches to the story without straying far from Apolloniusï¿½ vision. The fact that the films have few significant variations from a myth written over 2,000 years ago is a credit to Apolloniusï¿½ storytelling ability. In a time when classic stories are constantly being changed to suit the needs of Hollywood, it is refreshing to see that Jason and the Argonauts has stood the test of time.

Jason and the Argonauts Reviews & Ratings - IMDb IMDb 17 January 2017 8:34 AM, PST NEWS 96 out of 112 people found the following review useful: Come on people, this is fun from Jacksonville, FL 16 December 2002 I usually write a review without reading other people's comments as I don't like it influencing what I have to say but in this case I read a few reviews of those who had seen Jason and the Argonauts and I was pretty stunned at the negative reviews. Like many, this was one of my favorite childhood movies. I loved the effects, the story of a hero setting out on a quest and the rest of the pomp and circumstance. The acting in Jason and the Argonauts is wooden, the story of King Pelias comes to no conclusion and we only get Hercules for a brief time but the movie is fun to watch, great to listen to and features effects that seen solid and get your respect, in spite of not being "up to today's standards." Personally, I feel that most of the digital effects today make it look like I'm watching a movie inside a movie instead of something that's supposed to be real.

Jason and the Argonauts is old school black and white, with women being somewhat subordinate. Many programmed young people of today will be angry that this movie is an old tale of the hero slaying the dragon and getting the girl (and a fleece) but there it is and it's not a big deal. The movie takes liberties with greek mythology and some people hate that too but in that way it's no different then ninety percent of the movies in Hollywood. I feel bad that I feel I have to defend this movie against those that have missed the idea but I will. It's an adventure from a time when entertainment was more important then preaching a message, the characters aren't as bad as people say and Harryhausen's effects are still better then the fake digital junk out today, no matter how seamless the digital effects are. And Honor Blackmon rocks. 7.0/10 Author: ecarle 7 November 2003 Possibly. His first "Sinbad" film in 1958 had one moving skeleton for the hero to fight; this one has a whole platoon of them, each part painstakingly moved one tiny distance at a time personally by Harryhausen through stop-motion techniques.

The seven-headed Hydra is another technical marvel. There are some other nifty creatures for Jason and his crew to battle, but for me, the most impressive of them all turns up first: the gigantic Talos, the Man of Bronze. I was a kid when this came out, and I don't think I'll ever forget that moment when the huge, crouched statue came to life, turned his head towards the two men below him (his bronze head screeching with the tear of metal), climbed off of his pedestal, and proceeded to chase Jason and his men. Talos was giant like Godzilla, but as single-minded as the Terminator: all he wants to do is track Jason's crew down until he kills them all. This gave me nightmares. Bernard Herrmann's score is one of his best, making music to match Harryhausen's images. (Herrmann was coming off of other Harryhausen's, plus Hitchcock's "Vertigo," "North by Northwest" and "Psycho," and knew how to thrill you.) Tom Hanks, who was also a kid when this came out, has said: "Everybody thinks that 'Citizen Kane' was the greatest movie ever made.

But if you were young in 1963, you know the real answer is: 'Jason and the Argonauts.'" Was the above review useful to you? 60 out of 76 people found the following review useful: Excellent Fantasy Film. from Kentucky 18 October 2004 Jason and The Argonauts is a great film to watch and escape reality. This is one of those movies that you know is not real but you just enjoy it and have fun watching it. I think this film is underrated because it was not given one Oscar nomination. I think this film should have been nominated for Best Art Direction and Set Decoration, Cinematography, Bernard Herrmann's Original Score and Film Editing. When I first saw this movie on Turner Classic Movies one night, I was only excited to see the Skeleton Fight at the end which took Ray Harryhausen and special effects crew three months to create that entire sequence. This is a Great movie and I encourage all of "The Lord of The Rings" fans to watch this and see a great masterpiece of classic fantasy and old fashioned special effects. **** out of ****! Was the above review useful to you?

46 out of 53 people found the following review useful: Good old fashioned fun! from Groningen, The Netherlands 4 September 2005 As entertainment this movie is perfect. The movie is a fun adventurous one, with lots of spectacular moments and fights. From a technical point of view this movie is even a masterpiece. The stop-motion scene's created by special effects pioneer Ray Harryhausen is simply brilliant and makes this movie one of the most influential and important one's, when it comes to special effects. But also the movie uses clever camera tricks and some well made miniatures. Yes, of course the effects all look out dated now but they still surprisingly, look convincing enough and at times they are even still simply breathtaking and spectacular to look at. Especially of course the legendary, fantastic end fight against the skeleton warriors. The story is like good entertainment should be; Adventurous, exciting and simple to follow. The movie truly is none stop fun entertainment to watch with lots of spectacular moments with the legendary skeleton fight as the ultimate highlight.

You don't have to be a fan of 'classic' movies in order to enjoy this movie, everyone should be able to appreciate this movie and be entertained by it, especially when you are a fan of ancient Greek tales. Something that is not praised enough of this movie is the musical score by Bernard Herrmann. The movie is not exactly filled with impressive and memorable actors. As many movies as I have seen in my life, I don't think I have ever seen any actors from this movie in any other movie, with the exception of course of Honor Blackman who will always be remembered for playing the Bond girl Pussy Galore in "Goldfinger". But this movie clearly isn't a character-adventure movie, it's a special effect adventure movie. The special effects are really the most important element of the movie. So for the fans of special effects this is especially most definitely a must see. A movie that should be fun and enjoyable to everyone, of all ages. 8/10 from los angeles 25 February 2003 Back in 1963 I was only 7 at the time, but I can still remember going to the Tower Theater in Downtown Los Angeles and being totally awed with the effects created by Ray Harryhausen.

In today's world it may seem below standard compared to computer effects, but for those of us growing up in that time period, the Harryhausen style of special effects will continue to bring back warm memories of those years. With computer graphics, you see it and like it the first time you see it, but then many movies of today have the same and it becomes moot. Jason and the Argonaunts was one of those few movies at the time along with the Sinbad saga that lives on in your heart. The pace of the film is perfectly put together along with the many creatures, 7-headed hydra, huge fish-man, huge metal man and skeletons fighting is what makes it a classic which lives on in the hearts of those growing up in the sixties. Was the above review useful to you? 37 out of 42 people found the following review useful: A Fine Fine Movie from Manassas, Va 29 December 2004 What do I like about this movie...besides Harryhausin's special effects? Besides the frenetic battle with the skeletons and the seemingly hopeless fight against the statue of Talos? I like the way the people are presented, I suppose...

Heracles is presented, not as a young ripped body builder, but as one would expect a middle-aged strong man to be: Formidable, a little grey and a little swaggering. Argos, the ship builder, is tan and fat, as one would expect the veteran of many sea voyages to be. The crew looks like what one would expect a crew of ancient greeks to look like. The acting is not spectacular, but sincere. No one looks embarrassed to be in this movie. It is tight with great special effects...wonderful for children... And, I must mention Hera, normally portrayed as a matronly and vindictive woman, is here presented as a beautiful and helpful goddess by Honor Blackman, no less. Although many of you may be more familiar with her as Pussy Galore from Goldfinger... Was the above review useful to you? 26 out of 31 people found the following review useful: One of the semi-classic mythological fantasy with some splendid stop-frame animation... 3 November 2002 *** This review may contain spoilers *** In its dealings with ancient civilizations, the cinema has largely fought shy of their mythology and preferred to look for inspiration in their history...

Among the exceptions is, surprisingly, a British movie, Don Chaffey's lively 'Jason and the Argonauts'... Although this is let down by its visualization of Olympus (the dwelling place of the gods), with the immortals using the swimming pool like a gigantic television set for looking in on human intrigues, it has seized on mythology as a new format for the monster movie... The special effects - from iron man to an army of skeletons - are nicely conceived, and it's just amazing how believable the movements of Ray Harryhausen's creatures are... Chaffey is also responsible for one of the cinema's few excursions into the Pre-historic, the second version (by Hammer) of 'One Million Years B.C.,' which has rather less going for it than 'Jason and the Argonauts' because of the boredom inherent in having characters who can converse only in grunts... 'Jason and the Argonauts' is a truly family fantasy-adventure film, directed with wit and excitement... Beverley Cross's fine script is both imaginative and literate, and Bernard Herrmann's score is stirring...

The word "Argonaut" comes from a tale sung of the strongest and bravest band of heroes ever assembled in Greek Mythology... This myth chronicles Jason's quest for the 'gift of the gods,' and the restoration of his family's throne... There is an interesting theme that runs through the entire motion picture: man must manage alone without the help of the gods whether they exist or not... In times past, fate ruled men's lives completely... The gods often amused themselves with the puny mortal men below... Fate is still an important factor in Jason's time (He has been prophesied to overthrow King Pelias...), but man chooses his own life's course... Jason lost his believe in the gods, and Zeus questions what has taken the place of man's faith in the gods... Jason replies: "The hearts of men. " Jason rejects Zeus' offer to supply him with 'a ship and a crew,' and assembles dozen of Greece's greatest heroes, including the legendary Hercules... Nevertheless he accepts Hera's pledge to help him with the information and advice... Jason has learned that prayers to the gods are not always answered... "The gods are best served by those who want their help least," Zeus alibis...

When humans obtain the help of the gods, they know they must push forward... For instance, when Triton holds the quaking mountains, the Argonauts still must navigate their ship away from the dangerous rocks that continue to fall... Jason dared to speak of the end of the gods, and challenges Zeus when he eliminates Talos, who guards Zeus' treasures... And when the Argonauts imprison the evil harpies whom Zeus sent to torment a desperate sinner, Zeus admits: "If I were to punish every blasphemy, I would soon loose all loyalty and respect." Of the gods, Jason says, "In time all men will have to do without them." Such words alarm Zeus, and he recognizes as much to Hera, whom he considers "almost human" for staying with him despite such weakness... But the gods still have enough power to do their will... At the picture's end Zeus tells Hera that he will allow Jason and his pretty Medea to enjoy 'each other,' but he adds, "I have not yet finished with Jason...

Let us continue with the game another day." Todd Armstrong is the young and hot blooded Jason who schemes to seize the Golden Fleece from King Aeetes, and saves Pelias from drowning one day, losing his sandal in the river... Nancy Kovack is Medea, the provocative high priestess of Colchis who is charmed with love for Jason and aid him in his quest... Gary Raymond is Acastus, the son of Pelias sent to disrupt the voyage by causing dissension in the crew... Niall MacGinnis is Zeus who decides to challenge Jason and the Argonauts with many trials... Honor Blackman is the cunning Hera, the queen of the gods, who outmaneuvered Zeus, and intervened on several occasions to facilitate Jason's tasks... Hera wishes to destroy Pelias because he was treacherous and her temple was profane... Michael Gwynn is Hermes who transports Jason to Olympus to speak with the gods... Jack Gwillim is King Aeetes who collects the hydra's teeth from its seven heads, and confronts Jason high on a cliff... John Cairney is the clever Hylas who uses his intelligence to beat Hercules in a test of skill...

Douglas Wilmer is the nefarious Pelias, who plots a devious plan to send Jason on an impossible quest, in a faraway land, to fetch the magical Golden Fleece... Nigel Green is Hercules, the bravest and strongest warrior who vows to search the Isle of Bronze until he finds his friend Hylos... Patrick Troughton is the old and weak Phineas cursed with an insatiable appetite and the flying harpies left enough putrid morsels for him to survive his torment... 'Jason and the Argonauts' is a tale of love and betrayal, friendship and fortune... It is nearly 40 years old but it still holds up as one of the semi-classic mythological fantasy which provides a framework for some splendid stop-frame animation... Was the above review useful to you? 21 out of 22 people found the following review useful: Lots of Stop-Motion Fun! from Biloxi, Mississippi 30 July 2005 Fans of Ray Harryhausen's stop motion animation process will have a field day with JASON AND THE ARGONAUTS, which Harryhausen considered his best work.

And certainly Harryhausen's special effects are the highlight of this film, which is generally based on the ancient Greek myth of Jason's search for the golden fleece. The film as a whole is very much like a superior sword-and-sandal epic of the 1950s and 1960s, very colorful and over-run with manly men and beautiful dancing girls. A bit slow to start, once the story line is established the pace leaps forward--and we are treated to some of Harryhausen's most enjoyable creations, including Talos, the bronze statue; two of the most evil looking harpies you can imagine; a really nasty hydra; and Harryhausen's most famous (and his own personal favorite) bit of work: an attack by skeleton warriors. In the wake of computer generated graphics, Harryhausen's work may strike some as dated, but this is actually part of its charm, for we will never see its like on screen again; it has a certain visual appeal not found in contemporary films, and Harryhausen's creations always have remarkable personality.

On the downside, however, some of the film's other techniques have not aged as well, and the use of rearview projection is extremely noticeable (and often annoying) to the modern eye. Still, even those who aren't overly enthusiastic about these types of special effects will find the film an excellent choice as a "family night" film. As for Harryhausen fans--the film is a must-see, must-own, and must-watch as often as possible! Gary F. Taylor, aka GFT, Amazon Reviewer Was the above review useful to you? 29 out of 42 people found the following review useful: Ray Harryhausen at his very best from Derby, England 23 June 2004 This was one of those films I always remember seeing as a child and I never forgot those skeletons which I think is Ray Harryhausen's best work. Greek hero Jason takes a party by ship to search for the Golden Fleece, but have to encounter several dangers on the way. This starts when they drop off at an island with bronze statues to collect food and water. But one of them goes into the tomb of one of these, Talos and steals a gold sword.

Talos then comes to life and attacks the crew and during their escape, the ship is destroyed. Talos is destroyed eventually. While on the island, they come across a blind man, who gets attacked by two cheeky Harpies who keep eating his food. They are captured. They continue their journey and encounter Neptune and arrive on the island where the Golden Fleece is. Before getting the Golden Fleece, Jason must fight and kill the Hydra, which he does. The best part of the movie is of course those skeletons near the end. Jason manages to defeat them when they fall off a cliff into the sea. This has to be one of, if not the best of Harryhausen's movies. Bernard Herrmann was responsible for the excellent music. Jason is played well by Todd Armstrong and Nancy Kovack plays Medea. These are joined by Bond girl Honor Blackman (Goldfinger), Laurence Naismith (The Valley Of Gwangi), Dr Who actor Patrick Troughton who plays the blind man, Niall MacGinnis (Night of the Demon) and Nigel Green as Hercules. This is probably my favourite of Ray Harryhausen's fantasy movies. Rating: 5 stars out of 5.

Was the above review useful to you? 21 out of 30 people found the following review useful: It's All About the Special-Effects from United States 10 July 2006 When I was a teen, this was a "cool" movie. The special-effects that were exhibited in this movie back then (1963) were awesome at that time. If they had one, Ray Harryhausen would be a charter member of the film world's Hall Of Fame for SpeciaI Effects. He is a legend in Hollywood. Who will never forget seeing skeletons alive and fighting back then? Not me, or my friends. It just made a lasting impression and I suspect that will always be cool even though FX has improved so much and it looks dated by now. Dated or not, some of the scenes in here still are fun to view, even though the storyline and some of the dialog is so stupid it makes me cringe. This is almost a "cult" movie, I suspect, by now, especially with the horrible acting in here. The acting and dialog are so bad, it's almost a comedy in parts....but who cares? We just watch for the "effects." Was the above review useful to you?

Page 1 of 15: Jason and the Argonauts (Film) - TV Tropes Jason and the Argonauts You need to login to do this. Get Known if you don't have an account Share Film / Jason and the Argonauts × — Tom Hanks , giving Ray Harryhausen a special Academy Award Jason and the Argonauts is a well known Sword & Sandal film produced by Ray Harryhausen and loosely based off a Greek myth . It is famous for its skeleton fight scene, one of the best stop motion sequences in history. It is looked on fondly by many nostalgics who remember loving it as a child, and has actually held up reasonably well over time. There was another movie made in 2000 produced by Hallmark with the same title that followed the original myth more closely, its ending aside. Many fans of the Harryhausen movie often mistake the Hallmark version for a remake of it despite them both being based on the same myth and having virtually nothing in common apart from the titles.

The stories of both films revolve around the hero Jason, rightful heir to the throne of Iolcus (Thessaly, in the 60s film), whose throne was usurped from his father by Evil Uncle Pelias. Pelias offers to give Jason the throne if he sails to the end of the world to claim the Golden Fleece, something which many have tried but failed. Jason gathers a crew and sets sail aboard the ship Argo. Together, the Argonauts encounter all sorts of adventures along the way. Jason's love interest in the both films is Medea, a temple dancer in the 60s film and a sorceress in the Hallmark version, and the gods Zeus and Hera play roles in the story as well. The most famous contemporary source for the original myth is Apollonius of Rhodes' Argonautica. The Harryhausen film provides examples of: The Adventure Continues : Zeus stops Hera from "clearing the board" because he's not done with Jason yet. Animate Dead (In both senses of the word!): Aeetes summons the skeletons of warriors killed by the Hydra to stop the Argonauts. Attack Its Weakpoint : The Talos fight.

An example of Shown Their Work since this is how Talos was defeated in the myth. Chekhov's Gun : In both films, Jason receives an Amulet of Dependency , which is not from the myth. In the 1963 film, it is a gift used to call for Triton's aid in escaping the Clashing Rocks. Creator In-Joke : The skeletons' shields depict creatures from Harryhausen's previous movies. A Death in the Limelight : Euphemus looks like he's going to get an Awesome Moment - only to drown trying to catch Acastus. Defeat Means Friendship : Between Hercules and Hylas in the competition to be an Argonaut. Hylas is able to cast a discus farther by skipping it over the water, to Hercules' great amusement, and they become best buds. Hercules even leaves the quest when Hylas dies. Dem Bones : The skeleton fight scene. The skeletons are Perpetual Motion Monsters and Jason actually can't defeat them by fighting—they keep getting up and all they need is one slip in the heroes' guard to kill. So Jason jumps off the cliff instead.

Demoted to Extra : In the Harryhausen film only Hercules, Hylas, Argus and Acastus receive any development whatsoever and other Argonauts are only mentioned by name. Disproportionate Retribution : Poor Phineas. He's condemned to have harpies attack and steal his food for the rest of his life. It's left him quite bitter at the gods. "Zeus, I was a sinner! But I didn't sin every day..." Divine Chessboard : Zeus and Hera use one to influence and observe Jason's journey. Everything's Better with Princesses : Inverted. Medea is a princess in the original myth but here is just a priestess to Hecate. She gets to be a princess again in the Hallmark film. Exactly What It Says on the Tin : The Clashing Rocks. When Jason asks what they are, Phineas says "they speak for themselves, don't they?" Final Battle : Jason and three Red Shirt Argonauts versus a horde of reanimated skeletons. And it's epic. Forbidden Fruit : Hera warns the Argonauts not to take anything but supplies from the Isle of Bronze.

Then Hercules and Hylas find a gods' jewelry box, with a brooch pin that Hercules fancies as a javelin. You can guess how well this ends. A literal example is the banquet on Phineus's island. Every day it's loaded with delicious food. Attempting to eat any of it summons the harpies. From a Certain Point of View : When Jason meets Pelias (not knowing who it is), he says he'll need the help of this fine army commander to take back his throne. The reply he gets is "When your father defended his throne from Pelias, no man fought harder than I." Which is true. God's Hands Are Tied : In this version, Zeus decrees that Hera is only allowed to help Jason five times, since that was the number of times his elder sister Briseis called upon her by name to protect him. This is a handy explanation for why Hera, as Queen of the Gods, can't just come in and magically solve every problem for our heroes, which works fine in a myth but would be pretty anti-climactic in a film. (Of course, she still finds ways around it...) Hero of Another Story : Hercules.

Spelled out by Hera when he leaves the quest to look for Hylas. The High Queen : Hera is this for the Gods. While she's sometimes this in the myths too, this is one of the rare stories where she's portrayed as this - rather than the other kind of queen . Hydra Problem : Averted. Despite having a Hydra, it remains with only 7 heads as Jason never tries to decapitate any of them in the first place. Isle of Giant Horrors : The Isle of Bronze is inhabited by giant bronze statues that would come to life if anyone trespasses in the tombs they were guarding. Hercules inadvertently ends up awakening the Living Statue of Talos when he steals from the crypt he was guarding , who nearly kills the Argonauts. Though the Argonauts manage to defeat Talos, Hercules' best friend Hylas was killed during the battle . It's All My Fault : Hercules blames himself when Hylas disappears on the Isle of Bronze and leaves the quest to find him, or rather, to find his body because he was crushed by Talos. Large Ham : King Aeëtes romps home with the prize. "DESTROY THEM! KILL!

KILL, KILL, KILL THEM ALL!!!" Left Hanging : The movie ends with the heroes escaping from the skeletons but we never see a resolution between Jason and Pelias. Rather than continuing Jason's story, Harryhausen did Sinbad sequels instead. (Possibly because Jason and Medea have the most Downer Ending possible.) Lightning Bruiser : Hercules is suggested to be this. Jason doesn't even bother auditioning him the way he does everyone else, because he knows there is nothing Hercules couldn't do better than anyone else. Mighty Glacier : Talos is invincibly big, strong, and tough, but doesn't move very fast. It doesn't make him any less dangerous. The Mole : Acastus, sent by Pelias to kill Jason when he looks like getting the Golden Fleece. Jason twigs to his purpose just before they reach Colchis, but Acastus escapes and warns Aeetes about the visitors. (And then tries to steal the Fleece for himself, which gets him killed by the Hydra.) Nay-Theist : Jason doesn't believe in the gods, so Hermes brings him to Mount Olympus.

Jason still refuses Zeus's help (but accepts Hera's, since she's already started), though Zeus is pleased by this. He's not so pleased later when Jason declares "screw gods!" at the Clashing Rocks. Never My Fault : Pelias tries to blame Zeus for the slaying of Briseis in Hera's temple, as it was Zeus who decreed that Pelias would take Thessaly's throne but be killed by the king's children. Hera says that he did it all his own self. No, Mister Bond, I Expect You to Dine : King Aeetes treats Jason and his followers to a lavish banquet despite knowing full well that he intends to steal the Golden Fleece, likely so as to lull them into a false sense of security and make them easier to imprison. Oh Crap! : When Hercules realizes he has awaken Talos . The Queen's Latin : More like The Queen's Ancient Greek, but the gods speak rather posh. The Quest : Get the Golden Fleece and overthrow Pelias. Red Shirt Army : Jason apparently picked the best athletes etc in Greece, yet hardly any of them actually do anything interesting apart from the two who get killed by the skeletons at the end.

Oh, and the guy who jumped in after Acastus. Related in the Adaptation : Inverted. Medea was Aeetes's daughter in the myth, but is just a priestess to Hecate here. Rightful King Returns : This is what Jason would like to do, but he wants to have something more inspiring for his people than just stomping up to the palace and killing Pelias. Hence, the quest. Rule of Cool : The fight between the hero and a skeleton went down so well in Harryhausen's previous Sinbad movie that Harryhausen decided to take it Up to Eleven and made the hero fight seven skeletons. Same Language Dub : The two lead actors, Todd Armstrong (Jason) and Nancy Kovack (Medea), both American actors, were dubbed by British actors, Tim Turner and Eva Haddon respectively. Smite Me, O Mighty Smiter! : Jason gets fed up with the gods shortly after helping Phineas escape his divinely-decreed punishment and calls for the end of the gods when it looks like the Argo will be destroyed in the Clashing Rocks. This impresses Hera and she moves Triton to intercede.

Stock Footage : Pelias conquering Aristo's kingdom at the start reuses footage from the film Helen of Troy. Stylistic Suck : Harryhausen deliberately animated Talos to move stiff and jerky as opposed to his smoother puppetry, in order to capture how a giant metal creature would really move. Take a Third Option : Jason's solution to the skeletons. He can't kill them, and certainly doesn't want them to kill him, so he jumps off a cliff into the sea. They mindlessly follow and sink straight to the bottom. What Happened to the Mouse? : Apart from Zeus saying that Hera is allowed to help Jason's baby sister Philomena, no mention is made of her after she's left on Hera's statue. What's more is that Jason never asks about his sister or even meets her in Iolcus. The Hallmark film provides examples of: Adaptation Origin Connection : Atalanta here is Jason's childhood friend. Likewise there's a psychic link established between Jason and Medea long before he reaches Colchis. Adaptational Attractiveness : A pretty unique inversion. In mythology, Atalanta was an Amazonian Beauty with beautiful blonde hair that had suitors lining up for her.

Here she is portrayed as a rather plain tomboy. Adapted Out : Zetes had a twin brother called Calais. Presumably he was left out since they already had Castor and Pollux. All Amazons Want Hercules : Atalanta doesn't really show much interest in the thief that is attracted to her, having eyes for the strong Jason. The trope isn't played literally since she shows no interest in Hercules himself. Amazon Brigade : The women on the Isle of Lemnos. However it's ultimately subverted. While they wear armour and carry weapons, it's implied that they're not skilled warriors. Rather than just capturing Jason and his crew, they have to resort to drugging and trickery. One woman simply falls off her horse when trying to chase after them. Aside from one or two getting hit with arrows, the women of Lemnos pose no threat once the Argonauts are aware of their plans. Badass Grandpa : Downplayed. But Argos is the veteran sailor in the crew and does help fight in the final battle. Beard of Sorrow : Mopsus has grown one since Pelias took over.

Betty and Veronica : Atalanta is the Betty to Jason - childhood friend and already very close to him. Medea is the Veronica - exotic Hot Witch . The set-up is played with as Jason never saw Atalanta as anything other than a friend - and Medea never knows about Atalanta's feelings for him. Black Dude Dies First : Echion in the Hallmark film lasted long enough to suggest they kill Acastus for stowing away before he was drowned by Poseidon. Averted with Orpheus who survives. Chekhov's Boomerang : The Thief already proves useful for snatching the Fleece. He also proves useful by revealing to have stolen Jason's amulet when he dropped it in Lemnos. Chekhov's Gun : In the Hallmark film, Jason's Amulet of Dependency it is a memento from his childhood and turns out to be the key that opens a secret tunnel to the palace, allowing the Argonauts to sneak in and surprise Pelias. Chekhov's Skill : "The legs are springs, the arms wings." Composite Character : The women of Lemnos are sort of combined with the Sirens.

The Argonauts are portrayed as being hypnotised by them, with some kind of magic involved. Likewise another element from the Siren part of the adventure - Orpheus using his harp - happens instead when trying to get the Fleece. Here he uses it to lull the dragon guarding it to sleep. The High Queen : Hypsipyle, Queen of Lemnos. At least to her own people anyway. Hera is portrayed this way too. The film does play up her jealousy but it's mostly used to show that she and Zeus are both being idiots. Hot Witch : Medea is a more obvious witch in this version and still Jason's love interest. Identical Twin ID Tag : Pollux is bald, Castor has a beard and hair. Improbable Hairstyle : Pelias, Aetes, the Sage, we're looking at you. Incest Subtext : Between Medea and Aspyrtes as he seems especially jealous of Jason's attraction to her, and not just because it means losing the throne. Ironic Echo : "My destiny is to rule" Lady Land : The Isle of Lemnos. It turns out there used to be men but they were all killed, sacrificed to Artemis.

Unlucky Childhood Friend : Atalanta towards Jason. Mostly due to a common source, both of the films provide examples of: Ancient Grome : Set in Greece yet he calls himself Hercules. However averted when Eros appears; he's normally confused with his more famous Roman counterpart Cupid. Adaptational Villainy : Acastus gets a pretty rough deal in both adaptations. In the first he betrays the Argonauts to Aeetes and in the Hallmark film he steals the fleece and brings it to Pelias. He didn't betray them in the original myth and ended up becoming King in his father's place. He did end up banishing Medea from the kingdom, but then again she did cause his father's death... Ancient Greece - Greek Mythology, Ancient Greek Gods. JASON Jason and the Golden Fleece Jason's story is an ancient Greek myth, folk tale that is passed from generations to generations. About a hero who traveled on a voyage in search of the Golden Fleece, so that he could help his father get his kingdom back from King Pelias. Jason's father was Aeson, the King of Lolcus and mother Alcimede.

Aeson stepbrother Pelias was eager for the throne of Lolcus, so in a battle, he removed Aeson from power and made himself the King. Aeson and Pelias shared a common mother, Tyro. She was the daughter of Salmoneus and sea god Poseidon. Pelias, to make sure that no one from Aeson's family could challenge him, killed his family. But Alcimede saved their baby, Jason. To save him Alcimede gave away her baby son to Chiron, who became his guardian. But Pelias was obsessed with his throne and he consulted an oracle that told him that a man wearing one sandal would be the reason for his end. Later on as years went by, Jason grew up. Pelias had started games events as a tribute to his so-called father Poseidon. When Jason arrived in Lolcus, he lost his one sandal while crossing a river and trying to help Goddess Hera, who was in disguise of an old woman. Someone told Pelias that there was a man in Lolcus who was wearing one sandal. Jason came to Pelias and claimed his kingdom, which was rightfully his.

But Pelias put a condition in front of him that would return back his kingdom, if he brought him the Golden Fleece. Pelias thought that the task was impossible and Jason would never come back. The Search for Golden Fleece Jason was in early twenties when he started his search for the Golden Fleece. Jason gathered a team of 50 people and started his voyage on a ship called 'Agro'. Together they were known as the 'Argonauts'. Later on as the voyage moved further the team increased to about 100 people. One of the famous heroes on this ship was Hercules. It is said the Jason's journey was one of the first longest voyages of its times. Jason's journey through the Black sea was one of its first introductions. As the Greeks traveled here they colonized the coast and ruled it for almost 3000 years. Jason's first stop was the island of Lemnos (today rests in Modern Turkey), which was based in the Aegean Sea. Women, who cursed by Goddess Aphrodite, because they had ignored her worship, inhabited the island. So she cursed them and made their body smell so disgusting that their husbands ran away.

Angry with Aphrodite, they killed their husbands. Next they moved with the Doliones, where their King Kyzicos greeted them. After the left the Doliones, the 'Argonauts', lost their way and landed at the same island. This time Kyzicos thought them to be enemies and fought with them. The 'Argonauts' killed many Doliones along with the King. But later on they realized their mistake. When the 'Argonauts' reached Thrace they met Phineus of Salmydessus. Phineus was blind by choice because he wanted to live a long life (according to a prophecy by Apollo) and if he wanted to predict the sayings of Gods. Jason saved Phineus from Harpies who was sent by Helios (Sun God) to kill him. In return of his favor, Phineus told him the site of Colchis. To reach Colchis, one had to travel through the cliffs of Symplegades. But the cliffs trampled anyone and anything that traveled between them. So Phineus suggested that Jason release a dove between the cliffs. If the dove is able to reach pass the cliffs so will he.

As told Jason did so and the dove passed the cliffs. Jason also traveled through the cliffs of Symplegades safely. Finally Jason and his 'Argonauts' reached Colchis. Jason meets up with the King Aietes and asks him to return the Golden Fleece. But Aietes says yes only on the condition that he presents some extraordinary tasks. Medea the daughter of Aietes helps Jason in completing the tasks, on the condition that he marries her. But Aietes has other plans. He decides to kill Jason and the 'Argonauts' and not return the Golden Fleece. But he makes the mistake of confiding his plans with his daughter Medea. Medea helps Jason recover the Golden Fleece and they along with the 'Argonauts' flee Colchis. The Return Journey Zeus as a punishment for Medea for killing her own brother sent storms in the sea and drove it off course. But after purification by Circle nymph, they could continue their journey. The Agro could surpass the Sirens with the help of Orpheus who played his lyre and made more beautiful music than the Sirens.

The Sirens used to lure the sailors by creating enchanting and soulful music. As they came to the island of Crete they encountered Talos. Talos started flinging stones at Agro. But Medea knew that Talos had only one blood vessel, closed shut by a bronzenail. Medea cast a spell on Talos, which agave her the chance to removed the nail, which left to Talos to bleed to death. Jason's Return to Lolcus When Jason and Medea returned to Lolcus, they found that Pelias had killed Jason's father and his mother had died due to mourning. Medea used her witchcraft and murdered Pelias by influencing him. She promised him that he would become younger with her help but instead kills him. When Jason became disloyal to Medea and married another woman she killed their offspring's in anger. Jason death occurred due to a sad incident whereupon he was sleeping under the hull of the ship of Agro, when it fell and killed him. This thought because he broke his promise to Medea and was the method of punishment from the gods.

Medea's revenge on Jason is told in the shocking drama of the Ancient Greek Playwright (Hyperlink to page with Euripides) Euripides tragedy 'Medea'. References: BBC - History - Ancient History in depth: Jason and the Golden Fleece Jason and the Golden Fleece By Michael Wood Last updated 2011-02-17 Michael Wood discovers a story of heroism, treachery, love and tragedy that would make Hollywood proud. On this page Print this page Classic tale The Greek tale of Jason and the Golden Fleece has been told for 3,000 years. It's a classic hero's quest tale - a sort of ancient Greek mission impossible - in which the hero embarks on a sea voyage into an unknown land, with a great task to achieve. He is in search of a magical ram's fleece, which he has to find in order to reclaim his father's kingdom of Iolkos from the usurper King Pelias. The Greeks have retold and reinterpreted it many times since, changing it as their knowledge of the physical world increased.

The story is a set a generation before the time of the Trojan War, around 1300 BC, but the first known written mention of it comes six centuries later, in the age of Homer (800 BC). The tale came out of the region of Thessaly, in Greece, where early epic poetry developed. The Greeks have retold and reinterpreted it many times since, changing it as their knowledge of the physical world increased. No one knows for sure where the earliest poets set the adventure, but by 700 BC the poet Eumelos set the tale of the Golden Fleece in the kingdom of Aia, a land that at the time was thought to be at the eastern edge of the world. At this point the Jason story becomes fixed as an expedition to the Black Sea. The most famous version, penned by Apollonius of Rhodes, who was head of the library at Alexandria, was composed in the third century BC, after the invasion of Asia by Alexander the Great. Since the 1870s a series of excavations at Mycenae, Knossos, Troy and elsewhere has brought the Greek Heroic Age - the imaginary time when the great myths were set - to life.

The archaeologists' discoveries of Bronze Age (2300-700 BC) artefacts made it clear that the Greek myths and epic poems preserve the traditions of a Bronze Age society, and may refer to actual events of that time. The story could also perhaps represent an age of Greek colonisation around the shores of the Black Sea. Top Jason's task Village in Svaneti region of north west Georgia. Here people still pan for gold using the fleece of a sheep © According to the legend, Jason was deprived of his expectation of the throne of Iolkos (a real kingdom situated in the locale of present day Volos) by his uncle, King Pelias, who usurped the throne. Jason was taken from his parents, and was brought up on Mount Pelion, in Thessaly, by a centaur named Cheiron. Meantime his uncle lived in dread of an oracle's prophecy, which said he should fear the 'man with one shoe'. His task would take him beyond the known world to acquire the fleece of a magical ram that once belonged to Zeus, the king of the gods.

At the age of 20 Jason set off to return to Iolkos - on his journey losing a sandal in the river while helping Hera, Queen of the Gods, who was in disguise as an old woman. On arriving before King Pelias, Jason revealed who he was and made a claim to the kingdom. The king replied, 'If I am to give you the kingdom, first you must bring me the Fleece of the Golden Ram'. And this was the hero's quest. His task would take him beyond the known world to acquire the fleece of a magical ram that once belonged to Zeus, the king of the gods. Jason's ancestor Phrixus had flown east from Greece to the land of Cochlis (modern day Georgia) on the back of this ram. King Aietes, son of Helios the sun god, had then sacrificed the ram and hung its fleece in a sacred grove guarded by a dragon. An oracle foretold that Aietes would lose his kingdom if he lost the fleece, and it was from Aietes that Jason had to retrieve it. Why a fleece? Fleeces are connected with magic in many folk traditions.

For the ancient Etruscans a gold coloured fleece was a prophecy of future prosperity for the clan. Recent discoveries about the Hittite Empire in Bronze Age Anatolia show celebrations where fleeces were hung to renew royal power. This can offer insight into Jason's search for the fleece and Aietes' reluctance to relinquish it. The fleece represented kinship and prosperity. Top Black Sea colonisation Ships in the old Turkish harbour at Lemnos, Greece. Legend has it that Lemnos was populated entirely with women © Jason's ship, the Argo, began its journey with a crew of 50 (which swelled to 100, including Hercules, in subsequent retellings of the myth) - known as the 'Argonauts'. The Greek claim that the Argo was the first ship ever built can not be true, but Jason's journey was seen by the ancient Greeks as the first long-distance voyage ever undertaken. Indeed, the voyage can be seen as a metaphor for the opening up of the Black Sea coast. Historically, once the Greeks learned to sail into the Black Sea they embarked on a period of colonisation lasting some 3,000 years - but the time they first arrived in the region is still controversial.

Lemnos, an island in the north-eastern Aegean was Jason's first stop. This was a place inhabited by women who had murdered their husbands after being cursed by Aphrodite. Next the Argo sailed to Samothrace, where the Argonauts were initiated into the Kabeiroi, a cult of 'great gods' who were not Greek and who offered protection to seafarers. From Samothrace the adventurers passed the city of Troy by night, and entered the Sea of Marmara the next day. The Jason tale is a founding myth for many towns along this shore. The Jason tale is a founding myth for many towns along this shore. It is, however, most likely that local accounts of events have arisen out of the story itself, rather than being based on historic facts that themselves became the basis of the myth. It is along this stretch of coast that the Argonauts rescue a blind prophet, Phineus, by chasing away the Harpies - the ugly winged females Zeus had sent to torment Phineus. In return Phineus prophesies that Jason will be the first mariner to sail through the 'clashing rocks' that guard the entrance to the Black Sea.

The myth arose when Greek sailors were first able to negotiate their way up the powerful currents of the Bosphorus to enter the Black Sea beyond. In time the sea was transformed in Greek eyes from Axeinos Pontus, the 'hostile sea' to Euxeinos Pontus, the 'welcoming sea'. Top City of Aia A bull fight near Trabzon, Turkey. Bullfighting is still popular in regions of Turkey where the ancient Greeks founded colonies © The story continues with the Argonauts finally reaching the land of Colchis, and the first part of their quest is achieved. The heroes land and hold council, deciding to walk up to the city of Aia. Along the way they see bodies wrapped in hides and hung in trees, a sight that travellers in Georgia recount right up to the 17th century. The ancient Greeks speak of Aia as a real city on the River Phasis (the modern River Rhion). Archaeologists have yet to find it, although in 1876 gold treasure was found in this region at an ancient site near the town of Vani, and it was suggested that this might be the city of the Argonaut legend.

Heinrich Schlieman, the excavator of Troy and Mycenae, proposed to dig here but was not given permission. This suggests that some parts of the myth depict the culture of the historical Iron Age rather than the earlier Bronze Age of Jason. Then in 1947 excavations revealed that between 600 and 400 BC (the time the Jason legend took its final shape) Vani was indeed an important Colchin city. The city was not inhabited during the Heroic Age (when the Jason story is set), but it was the Colchin 'capital' at the time the Greek poets located the myth here. This suggests that some parts of the myth depict the culture of the historical Iron Age rather than the earlier Bronze Age of Jason. Top The story continues Site of Medea's shrine, near Corinth © In the myth, once in Colchis Jason asks King Aietes to return the Golden Fleece. Aietes agrees to do so if Jason can perform a series of superhuman tasks. He has to yoke fire-breathing bulls, plough and sow a field with dragons' teeth, and overcome phantom warriors.

In the meantime Aphrodite (the goddess of love) makes Medea, daughter of King Aietes, fall in love with Jason. Medea offers to help Jason with his tasks if he marries her in return. He agrees, and is enabled to complete the tasks. Thus the classic triangle of hero, dark power and female helper is formed, to be repeated in stories all the way down to Hollywood. Thus the classic triangle of hero, dark power and female helper is formed, to be repeated in stories all the way down to Hollywood. And it seems possible that this theme was based on an even earlier myth. An excavation of the 1920s and 30s, at Boghaz Koy, in central Turkey, uncovered Indo-European tablets from a Hittite civilisation dating to the 14th century BC. One of these has an account on it of a story similar to that of Jason and Medea, and may reveal the prehistory of the myth. It is not known at what date the Greeks borrowed it, but it very possibly happened in the ninth or eighth century BC. This was the time when many themes were taken from the east and incorporated into Greek poetry. To continue the story.

King Aietes organises a banquet, but confides to Medea that he will kill Jason and the Argonauts rather than surrender the Golden Fleece. Medea tells Jason, and helps him retrieve the Fleece. From here the Argonauts flee home, encountering further epic adventures. The ancient storytellers give several versions of the route Jason took back to Greece, reflecting changes in Greek ideas about the geography of the world. On the final leg of their journey, the Argonauts are caught in a storm, and after they pray to Apollo an island appears to them. The inhabitants of modern-day Anafi, 'the one which was revealed', and which is said to be the island in question, continue to celebrate their part in the story to this day. They regularly hold a festival inside an ancient temple to Apollo, built on the spot where legend says Jason gave thanks to the god for his rescue. Top Dénouement Map showing the ancient Greek view of how Jason might have returned home © On his return to Iolkos Jason discovers that King Pelias has killed his father, and his mother has died of grief. Medea tricks Pelias by offering to rejuvenate him, and then kills him.

Jason and Medea go into exile in Corinth, where Jason betrays Medea by marrying the king's daughter. Medea takes revenge by killing her own children by Jason. Pausanias, in his first-century guidebook to Greece, describes a shrine to the murdered children next to a temple to Hera, queen of gods, at Corinth. Pausanias, in his first-century guidebook to Greece, describes a shrine to the murdered children next to a temple to Hera, queen of gods, at Corinth. Centuries later, in the 1930s, a British excavation at Perachora uncovered an eighth-century BC temple to Hera, supposedly dedicated by Medea, near an oracle site with pilgrimage offerings left by women devotees over many centuries - perhaps there's a historic basis to the myth? In the end, Jason becomes a wanderer once more, and eventually returns to beached hull of the Argo. Here the beam of the ship (which was said to speak and was named Dodona) falls on him and kills him. His story has come full circle - as in all Greek myths, the hero's destiny is in the hands of the gods. We know the story of Jason, but not exactly when it was first told.

By classical times the myth had spread across the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, and it continues to fascinate us in our own day, informing archaeological investigations and bearing continued retellings - a testimony to the perennial appeal of the tale of the hero's quest. Jason and the Golden Fleece (The Argonautica) by Richard Hunter (Oxford World's Classics, 1998) The Voyage of the Argo by David Slavitt (Johns Hopkins University Press, 1999) Pindar's Mythmaking: The Fourth Pythian Ode by Charles Segal (Princetown University Press, 1986) Early Greek Myth: A Guide to Literary and Artistic Sources, vol.

1 by T Gantz (Johns Hopkins University Press, 1993) Medea edited by JJ Clauss and S Johnson (Princeton University Press, 1997) Ritual Myth and Drama in the Ancient Near East by T Gaster Thespis (Gordian Press, 1961) Structure and History in Greek Mythology by W Burkert (University of California Press, 1983) The Greeks in the Black Sea by Mariama Koromila (Aristide D Caratzas Publishing, 1991) The Greek Myths by Robert Graves (Penguin, 1992) Greek Gods and Heroes by Robert Graves (Random House, 1965) The Jason Voyageby Tim Severin (Simon and Schuster, 1986) Top About the author Michael Wood is the writer and presenter of many critically acclaimed television series, including In the Footsteps of...series. Born and educated in Manchester, Michael did postgraduate research on Anglo-Saxon history at Oxford. Since then he has made over 60 documentary films and written several best selling books. His films have centred on history, but have also included travel, politics and cultural history.

Question: Based on characters from Greek mythology, the 1963 film Jason And The Argonauts is centred around a quest to find what?
Answer: The Golden Fleece